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MMA Speaks Out Against Bill to Reinstate Provider Tax
The Senate Health, Human Services and Housing Committee passed a bill, 6-4, on March 14 that calls for reinstating the 2 percent provider tax (SF 2552). Read more here.
Gov. Releases Budget, Includes Shifting of Health Care Dollars
On March 15, Gov. Mark Dayton released his supplemental budget proposal on how to use the state's $900 million surplus; it turns out to be a mixed bag for Minnesota physicians. Read more here.
Lecture on Benzodiazepines Scheduled for March 22 at U of M
The MMA will continue its Pain, Opioids and Addiction lecture series with another live event on "How To Safely Prescribe Benzodiazepines." The lecture will be led by MMA member Charles Reznikoff, MD, on March 22 from 12:10 to 1:15 pm. Read more here. 
Reps. Mack and Murphy to Speak at Day at the Capitol
Rep. Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley), the chair of the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee, will be the keynote speaker at this year's Day at the Capitol, taking place on March 23. Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul), member of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, will speak at a reception at the end of the day. Please join us. To register, visit the MMA website. 
Legislators On The Loose
It seems like they just came back to work, but legislators will be on a break March 25-28. It is a great opportunity to meet with them in their home districts about some of the issues at the state Capitol. Legislators have already debated physician assistance in dying, reinstating the provider (sick) tax, and may still take up prior authorization reform. The MMA is eager to facilitate meetings between our members and legislators. Email Phil Raines or call 612-362-3739 to help coordinate a discussion or to get talking points.
Tell Us How We're Doing
Let us know how you feel about the MMA's work by completing our annual value/satisfaction survey, which we emailed to members and non-members on March 14. It includes questions about the MMA's value, your satisfaction with our performance and the key challenges facing your practice. Reminder surveys will be sent via email the next two weeks. 
Don't Lose Your Voice by Dropping your Membership
When you renew your membership, or join the MMA, you give physicians a strong voice to ensure that lawmakers hear the physician's perspective on key issues. Don't let bureaucrats, lawyers and regulators make decisions that affect your patients and your practices. Renew today by calling 612-362-3728. Or go online, enter your 'primary' email address and complete your renewal online. See more reasons to renew your membership or join MMA. 
Have you Certified Patients for Minnesota's Medical Cannabis Program?
Minnesota Medicine is planning a special issue on medical cannabis. We'll discuss what we've learned since the state legalized the drug for medical use as well as what's to come with the addition of intractable pain as a qualifying condition. We would like to interview physicians who've had experience with the program. We want to know: Why did you decide to participate? Have you ever felt conflicted about whether to certify a patient? Would you like to see changes to the program? What have you seen in terms of outcomes - good or bad?  If you would be willing to be interviewed, email Kim Kiser or call 612-362-3758 by March 25.  
Call for Entries: Minnesota Medicine's Annual Writing and Photo Contests
Physicians, residents and medical students: Do you have a story to tell? A photo you'd like to share? Then Minnesota Medicine is looking for you. Enter your essay, poem or short story in our Medical Musings writing contest by Monday, May 2. Enter the best photo you've taken in our annual photography contest by Monday, May 9. Winners will be featured in the July issue of the magazine. For more information, click here. 
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